Student Healthhttps://studenthealth.uwosh.edu
University of Wisconsin OshkoshThu, 15 Feb 2018 21:05:23 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.4Norovirus Outbreak on Campushttps://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/2018/02/norovirus-outbreak-campus/
https://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/2018/02/norovirus-outbreak-campus/#respondThu, 08 Feb 2018 20:12:49 +0000https://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/?p=1507Click here for the most up-to-date information about Norovirus on campus In recent days, we have seen an increased number of UW Oshkosh students affected by the highly contagious norovirus. Norovirus can cause the sudden onset of stomach pain, severe vomiting and diarrhea. The health and safety of our campus community is a top priority. […]

In recent days, we have seen an increased number of UW Oshkosh students affected by the highly contagious norovirus. Norovirus can cause the sudden onset of stomach pain, severe vomiting and diarrhea.

The health and safety of our campus community is a top priority. The University is taking every precaution to contain the spread of the illness and to assist ill students. At present, approximately 40 students have reported norovirus-like symptoms. Most of the affected students live in South Scott Hall, however additional cases have been identified in other campus housing locations.

The most effective way to stop the spread of the norovirus and other gastrointestinal illnesses is to practice good handwashing and hygiene and stay home if you are exhibiting symptoms. Out of class letters may be requested by contacting Wanda Timm in the Dean of Students Office at timm@uwosh.edu. Dining Services does offer a sick tray option for those who rely on campus food services.

The Winnebago County Public Health Department and the UW Oshkosh Student Health Center share the following information to help educate and limit the spread of norovirus in our community:

What is norovirus?

Norovirus is a virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping.

How is norovirus spread?

The virus is found in the stool or vomit of someone infected with norovirus. The virus can be spread by eating food or drink that has been contaminated with norovirus as well as by touching objects with norovirus on them (shaking hands with an infected person, touching a doorknob or keyboard that has norovirus on it and then touching your mouth, etc.)

What are the signs and symptoms of norovirus?

Symptoms usually begin 12-48 hours after becoming infected with the virus and can include:

Vomiting

Watery, non-bloody diarrhea

Stomach cramps

What is the treatment for norovirus?

There is no treatment for norovirus; people usually recover on their own 2-3 days after symptoms start.

Drinking plenty of liquids is important to replace fluid loss and to make sure the body does not become dehydrated.

How can norovirus be prevented?

Handwashing is the most important step to prevent the spread of norovirus. It is essential to wash hands after using the restroom and before touching food.

Anyone with diarrhea or vomiting should stay home and not attend class until symptoms are gone in order to prevent spreading norovirus to others.

People with diarrhea or who are vomiting should not handle food, work in or attend daycare centers or schools or take care of patients in a healthcare facility until 48 hours after their symptoms are gone.

As is our practice whenever health and safety concerns arise, we pledge to keep you informed should there be an update. In the meantime, these helpful websites can provide additional information on norovirus:

Students who are presenting symptoms should contact their CA and then remain in their rooms. Students experiencing persistent, severe vomiting or diarrhea should go to the Student Health Center, a personal health care provider or an emergency healthcare facility. Students who are not ill should go about normal routines.

Protect yourself and others from influenza (flu) this season.

This year’s flu season is more widespread and robust than in previous years. As influenza quickly spreads throughout the country and state of Wisconsin, please adhere to protective strategies, seek medical care within 48 hours of symptoms, and prevent the spread of flu to others.

If you experience severe and/or a sudden onset of flu signs and symptoms, set up an appointment with a medical provider as soon as possible.

Protective strategies

Wash hands often with soap and water.

Disinfect surfaces, doorknobs, and all electronic devices.

Avoid close contact with sick individuals.

If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home except to get medical care.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

What happens in the body when someone has the flu?

Influenza viruses usually infect the respiratory tract (i.e., the airways of the nose, throat and lungs). As the infection increases, the body’s immune system responds to fight the virus infection. This results in inflammation that can trigger respiratory symptoms such as cough and sore throat. The immune system response can also trigger fever and cause muscle or body aches. When infected persons cough, they can spread influenza viruses in respiratory droplets to someone next to them; persons can also become infected through contact with infectious secretions or contaminated surfaces.

What should I do if I get sick with the flu?

Most people with the flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. If you get sick with flu symptoms, in most cases, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care.

If, however, you have symptoms of flu and are in a high risk group, or are very sick or worried about your illness, contact your health care provider (doctor, physician assistant, etc.). There are drugs your doctor may prescribe for treating the flu called “antivirals.” These drugs can make you better faster and also may prevent serious complications.

Antiviral drugs are prescription drugs that can be used to treat flu illness. People at high risk of serious flu complications (such as children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, people with certain long-term medical conditions, and residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities) and people who are very sick with flu (such as those hospitalized because of flu) should get antiviral drugs. Other people can be treated with antivirals at their health care professional’s discretion. Treating high risk people or people who are very sick with flu with antiviral drugs is very important. Studies show that prompt treatment with antiviral drugs can prevent serious flu complications. Prompt treatment can mean the difference between having a milder illness versus very serious illness that could result in a hospital stay.

Treatment with antivirals works best when begun within 48 hours of getting sick, but can still be beneficial when given later in the course of illness. Antiviral drugs are effective across all age and risk groups. Studies show that antiviral drugs are under-prescribed for people who are at high risk of complications who get flu. Three FDA-approved antiviral medications are recommended for use during the 2017-2018 flu season: oseltamivir (available in generic versions and under the trade name Tamiflu®), zanamivir (Relenza®), and peramivir (Rapivab®). More information about antiviral drugs can be found at Treatment – Antiviral Drugs.

Are there medicines to treat the flu?

Yes. There are drugs your doctor may prescribe for treating the flu called “antivirals.” These drugs can make you better faster and may also prevent serious complications. See Treatment – Antiviral Drugs for more information.

How long should I stay home if I’m sick?

The CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®. You should stay home from work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.

]]>https://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/2018/01/influenza-2017-2018/feed/0December Articles of Student Health 101https://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/2017/12/december-articles-student-health-101/
https://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/2017/12/december-articles-student-health-101/#respondMon, 11 Dec 2017 20:41:23 +0000https://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/?p=1332 In this month’s edition of Student Health 101: Trending diets: What they are, why they don’t always work, and what to try instead 4 easy ways to set positive standards in your online world Your vaccination guide: Which ones you need, what they do, and where to get them The art of adulting: 3 […]

]]>https://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/2017/09/get-flu-shots-campus/feed/0September 2017 – Student Health 101 Articleshttps://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/2017/09/september-2017-student-health-101-articles/
https://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/2017/09/september-2017-student-health-101-articles/#respondTue, 26 Sep 2017 15:34:05 +0000https://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/?p=1223In this month’s edition of Student Health 101: HOW TO be really good at getting stuff done, according to science Meditation is having a moment. Here’s how (and why) to join in Sleep debt might be the reason you’re always tired – here’s how to avoid it How you can change the sexual culture on […]

]]>https://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/2017/06/student-health-101-june-edition-available/feed/0Student Health 101: May 2017 Editionhttps://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/2017/05/student-health-101-may-2017-edition/
https://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/2017/05/student-health-101-may-2017-edition/#respondTue, 02 May 2017 16:08:35 +0000https://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/?p=1037Articles include: UCookbook: Protein-packed pancakes 5 ways to get more done How to eat what you love & love what you eat What to say when your friend’s been sexually assaulted Attitude adjustment: How to work it so you work out more Take a nap or push on through? Speaking, performing, presenting? How to turn […]

Choosing a Healthier Cocktail – by Jasmine Pickett

The Power of Emotional Intelligence – by Alexis Palmer

Protect the Skin You’re In! – by Jessalyn Wallace-Leece

]]>https://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/2017/05/student-health-101-may-2017-edition/feed/0Student Health 101: April 2017 Editionhttps://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/2017/05/student-health-101-april-2017-edition/
https://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/2017/05/student-health-101-april-2017-edition/#respondTue, 02 May 2017 16:01:36 +0000https://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/?p=1031Articles Include: FitnessU: The best warm-ups for all workouts Your perfect plate: All the things in one easy recipe No excuse needed: Why travel is good for your health Scroll on by: 5 ways to make a phone-free moment Yes, it’s still coercion or assault: Relationship abuse and what to do about it 10 test […]

Yes, it’s still coercion or assault: Relationship abuse and what to do about it

10 test tips: How to remember that stuff you forget

The art of failure: How to feel the benefits

]]>https://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/2017/05/student-health-101-april-2017-edition/feed/0Student Health is hiring for 4 CNA positionshttps://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/2017/03/student-health-hiring-4-cna-positions/
https://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/2017/03/student-health-hiring-4-cna-positions/#respondWed, 01 Mar 2017 18:22:37 +0000https://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/?p=979We’re Hiring! The Student Health Center has four CNA positions available. Applications will be accepted through 4:00 PM on Friday, March 3, 2017. Selected candidates will begin training after Spring Break, and employment will continue for two years during each 14-week semester with approximately eight hours scheduled per week. Due to the two-year time commitment, only […]

The Student Health Center has four CNA positions available. Applications will be accepted through 4:00 PM on Friday, March 3, 2017. Selected candidates will begin training after Spring Break, and employment will continue for two years during each 14-week semester with approximately eight hours scheduled per week.

Due to the two-year time commitment, only students with freshman or sophomore standing will be considered for employment. Applicants must have a CNA license with at least one year of experience. All majors are welcome to apply.

Please visit the Handshake website for a list of all job requirements and to complete the application process.

]]>https://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/2017/03/student-health-hiring-4-cna-positions/feed/0February Edition of Student Health 101https://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/2017/02/february-edition-student-health-101/
https://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/2017/02/february-edition-student-health-101/#respondTue, 21 Feb 2017 15:44:42 +0000https://studenthealth.uwosh.edu/?p=954UW Oshkosh Articles include: Vote YES for a Tobacco Free UW Oshkosh Winter Lessons: Walk like a Penguin How Can Exercise Boost Your GPA? Stomping Out the Mental Health Stigma Applying to be a Health Advocate Other articles: Pairing Up to Sweat It Out Preventing Suicide: What to do when a friend needs help The […]